Ryan Coonerty: Believe in Santa Cruz

Eight years ago, I ran for City Council because I love Santa Cruz. It is the place that my parents and grandparents chose to build a life. It is where I walked as a child and yearned to return as an adult. I love the natural beauty, the small businesses, the history and the people. This community has given my family and me so much -- I wanted to give something back in return.

Eight years later, I can say that my love for this community is deeper than it has ever been. I saw aspects and heard aspirations for Santa Cruz that I had not known existed. This is the single biggest benefit of being a council member: seeing people quietly doing remarkable things, neighbors caring for neighbors, hidden parks and new businesses.

My love is not unique. I hear it everyday from residents and visitors. The challenge for our community is not our love for Santa Cruz, but our belief in Santa Cruz.

Difficult economic times, seemingly intractable issues, and recent tragic crimes have rightfully tested our collective belief that Santa Cruz can be the town that we expect it to be. These moments tested my faith as well, but in the final analysis, I believe our future is bright.

First, start with the numbers:

The city's finances are stronger and our bond rating higher than nearly every other city in the state because the community made hard decisions, and our city workers stepped up with concessions and reforms that will pay dividends for decades;

We use less water, generate less trash and better treat storm water and sewage than we did eight years ago;

Our roads, for the first time in decades, are being systematically repaired; every streetlight has been replaced with brighter, more efficient bulbs; we have added new parks and facilities, like the National Marine Sanctuary Center and the Tannery Arts Center;

We have attracted and retained dozens of businesses by simplifying the process, lowering fees, and giving preferences to local businesses. This, in turn, created thousands of jobs and increased our tax base;

Downtown is thriving with low vacancy rates, a new trolley and family-friendly events;

Crime rates are down with a focus on accountability and treatment for offenders. Our Police Department regularly receives national recognition for innovative strategies.

The city and UCSC, instead of wasting taxpayer dollars on ineffective lawsuits, are cooperating to reduce impacts of traffic, water and housing. Our fire departments are working toward merging which, in time, will increase safety and response times;

We have implemented an ambitious climate change program that not only reduces our carbon footprint but also creates local jobs and reduces energy costs.

While the numbers uniformly indicate that we are heading in the right direction, it is what I see from Santa Cruzans that reinforces my belief. Groups of neighbors embark on cleanups. Social service providers do more with less to help those in need. Students donate food and time in unprecedented numbers. Community donations fund art projects that create mosaics on our bridges and murals on our walls. City staff, businesses and community leaders collaborate on amazing projects, such as solar installations, the Warriors arena, the Amgen cycling race, filming "Chasing Mavericks," hosting James Durbin and the Giants World Series trophy, winning a Code for America grant to build an online business portal, and the dozens of annual events and festivals.

We should be optimistic. Our future will be better than our past. We will solve our problems in a uniquely Santa Cruz way -- through cooperation and innovation.

Thank you to my family, friends, colleagues and most of all the citizens of Santa Cruz for the opportunity to serve, love and believe in our city.

Ryan Coonerty served two terms on the City Council including two terms as mayor.